Ohio Avenue
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Ohio Avenue

Birmingham, Alabama, United States | SELF

Birmingham, Alabama, United States | SELF
Band Rock Alternative

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Ohio Avenue Interview"

1. How did you get your band name?
Ohio Avenue is the street Derek grew up on. Due to his parents divorce he left everything behind and moved to Alabama with his mom and brother to start over. When the band formed, there were a lot of things left behind as well and it was very difficult at the time. It reminded Derek of how he felt when he moved from his hometown so the name Ohio Avenue just seemed right.

2. How did this band get started?
We started playing in our local church. After a few years we felt like it was time to step out and start playing outside of our church. That's when we formed Ohio Avenue.

3. What bands are you influenced by?
Switchfoot, Muse, Mute Math, U2.

4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would it be and why?
U2 because it's simply amazing that they've been a band for so long and still know how to make great music. Plus it doesn't hurt that their stage setup is simply amazing.

5. If you were a furry, what animal would you be? Why that animal?
A bunny with the hopes of getting the "Cadbury Bunny" job!

6. Why should people listen to your band?
People should listen to our band because we strive to sound like no one but Ohio Avenue. When you listen to our music you won't feel like you're listening to a recycled version of someone else.

7. If you were chosen to be in Guitar Hero/Rock Band, what song would you want in the game? How hard do you think it would be to five-star on expert?
Liar, Liar. It would be one of the hardest things ever to five-star on expert...next to making a bowl of cereal.

8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?
God, because everything came and comes from him and our families, fans and our manager for ALL the support over the years.

9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
We would change the industry in a way that the artist can also makea decent living.

10. Memorable tour experience?
The first Christmas tour we ever did a few years ago. We were with another band that we were great friends with and we encountered all sorts of things like big crowds, small crowds, snow, getting stuck in snow, almost wrecking in snow, and even a guy who killed a black bear while we were staying at his house. It was simply amazing!

11. What does AP.net mean to you?
A great place to read reviews and find out about awesome new bands (ex: Ohio Avenue)!

12. What is your favorite song to play?
The Sound. It is the title track from our new cd that releases to iTunes on Feb 16th!

13. What is your vacation spot of choice?
The beach without a doubt. Oh summer get here soon!

14. What music reminds you of your childhood?
Keith Green's music.

15. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?
The power to make people love and buy our music. It would make this whole thing a lot easier ha ha.

16. Do you feel that your band has "made it"?
No.

17. What is something that most fans don't know about you?
Our lead guitarist, KC, was a nurse before the band started.

18. What's your favorite holiday?
Definitely Christmas!

19. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Sleep.

20. What kind of hidden talents do you have?
We have the ability to maneuver our trailer like 50 year old truck driver.
- Absolute Punk.net


"Ohio Avenue rocks out CAB After Dark Friday night"

Those who missed the Campus Activites Board (CAB) After Dark event at After Hours this past Friday missed an excellent performance by the up-and-coming band Ohio Avenue. Originating out of Birmingham, Alabama, Ohio Avenue is a group of three guys who teamed up back in 2005, determined to create some amazing alternative rock music, and this past Friday night Ohio Avenue gave UNC Charlotte a dose of what they are all about.

Playing for just over an hour on Friday night, Ohio Avenue sampled new songs from their debut album, The Sound, as well as a few rock classics mixed with the bands distinct sound. After meeting at church a few years ago, the guys of Ohio Avenue started making music and playing at their local church, along with anywhere else they could. Although still working full-time jobs at the time, it wasn’t long before Ohio Avenue’s sound launched them into their current music career. Band members, Derek on guitar, vocals and keys, KC on lead guitar and Chad on drums all couldn’t believe how successful the band turned out to be. Before their musical success, Derek was working at a print shop, KC was a nurse, and Chad was in college.

In speaking with Chad following the Friday show, he said, “it just felt like we should pursue music.” The drive behind Ohio Avenue is exactly what makes the band amazing. As with most developing bands, Ohio Avenue has been doing fifteen to twenty shows a month for about nine months out of the year. At the show Derek was most excited about the recent addition to the band, the new equipment trailer.

Derek contributes soothing vocals, great guitar riffs, and a talent on the keyboard to this up and coming band. KC rocks the lead guitar, while Chad is in the back banging those drums. These guys are an amazing trio and I was very thrilled to hear their music. Ohio Avenue’s Friday show sampled several new songs including: “Running Away”, “Catch Me”, “Shining Through”, and “The Sound”. Although their debut album was released on June 2, 2009, The Sound will be available for iTunes download on February 16. The album features seven tracks and three bonus tracks that the guys decided to add on shortly before the album’s release in 2009.

The unique sound of Ohio Avenue is credited to a variance of musical influences including: U2, Muse, Switchfoot, and Mutemath. Derek is a big Switchfoot fan, and KC and Chad often joke about his “man crush” on their lead singer and guitarist, Jon Foreman. Despite the gags, the band played on through the night playing some interesting covers like a hilarious rendition of Britney Spears’ “Womanizer” and a jammed up version of Jets’ “Are you gonna be my girl”. Overall, the show was a great experience and the kindness showed by the band following the show was something that is normally lacking from today’s musicians.

Ohio Avenue exhibits their kindness off the stage through their continued support of two charitable organizations, Compassion International and She Dances. Compassion International works with continents like Asia and Africa in order to help children in need by supplying sponsors and donors. She Dances, the group’s second charity focus, focuses on getting women out of sex slave trafficking in Honduras.

If you think you might be interested in hearing what Ohio Avenue has to offer, or just want more on the charities the band supports, visit their website at http://ohioavenueband.com. You can also find their merchandise at http://www.indiecommunity.com/html/ohioavenuestore.html. - The University Times - UNC Charlotte's Student Newspaper


Discography

The Sound (2009)
Make Me Believe EP (2007)

Photos

Bio

Ohio Avenue exploded onto the rock music scene in 2005 with a sound that demanded attention. Pairing high-energy live performances with captivating lyrics, these Alabama natives continue to make fans wherever they perform.

Their name was inspired by a street in Indiana where lead singer Derek Williams grew up. “When my parents divorced, my mother moved my brother and I to Alabama,” says Williams. “We ended up leaving our lives and comforts behind to take a big risk as a family. Fast forward a few years and I felt like I was back in the same situation. Our band, Ohio Avenue, decided to try to play music full time. It was a big risk for us to leave our day jobs and rely on the band for income, but we knew it was the right thing to do.”

Though relatively new to the rock scene, the band has managed to make a powerful impact. Their debut EP was produced by Barry Blair and their single “Close to Me” received airplay across the Southeast. The band just finished a full-length project in May 2009 with producer Adam Smith called “The Sound.” Ohio Avenue has landed opening slots for bands like Switchfoot and Needtobreathe. Most recently, the band has been invited to play at music festivals like Enfuego, City Stages, The Big Ticket Festival, and Cornerstone. In addition, Ohio Avenue was a favorite at NACA South 2009, booking over 30 shows at colleges across the Southeast.

As of today, Ohio Avenue is traveling and performing at venues all over the Southeast. They hope that their music will impact the people they meet in a meaningful way.

PAST COLLEGE PERFORMANCES:
Union College - Barbourville, KY
University of Alabama - Huntsville, AL
Pfeiffer University - Misenheimer, NC
Huntington College - Montgomery, AL
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL
Lambuth University - Memphis, TN
Spring Hill College - Mobile, AL
Southern Polytechnic Univ - Marietta, GA
Armstrong Atlantic Univ - Savannah, GA
N Georgia College & State - Dahlonega, GA
Univ of Mary Washington - Fredericksburg, VA
Longwood Univ - Farmville, VA
Concord Univ - Athens, WV
Lander Univ - Greenwood, SC
USC - Aiken, SC
USC Beaufort - Bluffton, SC
Lord Fairfax Community College - Warrenton, VA
George Mason University - Fairfax, VA
Kennesaw State - Kennesaw, GA
Cottey College - Nevada, MO
University of South Alabama - Mobile, AL
Emory & Henry University - Emory, VA
UNC - Charlotte, NC